Thalassery municipality was formed on 1 November 1866 according to the Madras Act 10 of 1865 (Amendment of the Improvements in Towns act 1850)[4] of the British Indian Empire, making it the second oldest municipality in the state. At that time the municipality was known as Thalassery Commission, and Thalassery was the capital of North Malabar. G. M. Ballard, the Malabar collector, was the first President of the municipal commission. Later a European barrister, A. F. Lamaral, became the first Chairman of Thalassery municipality.[5] Thalassery grew into a prominent place during European rule, due to its strategic geographic location.[6] Thalassery has played a significant historical, cultural, educational and commercial role in the history of India, especially during the colonial period. On 9 February 2014, Thalassery taluk was split in two[7] and Iritty taluk was formed. The north eastern hilly region of the former Thalassery Taluk such as Peravoor, Aralam, Ayyankunnu, Kottiyoor, Kelakam is within the Iritty Taluk area.

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Thalassery may have originated from the ancient Malayalam linguistic usage 'Thala' (Head) and 'cheri' (low lying settlement place), thus Thalassery or 'starting place of a settlement or head of a settlement'. It could also have emerged from Talakkathe cheri, a combination of 'Talakkate' (Upper or north) and 'Cheri' (Settlement). Thalassery could be a village, as it hosts ancient Shree Ramaswamy shrines dedicated/connected to Rama (Rama-Vaishnavite/ Smartha sects settlements in various villages in and around Thalassery such as Tiruvangad, Andaloor, Makreri, Peralassery, Edakkad, Taliparamba, Cheruthazham, Mavilayi, Kadalayi, Trichambaram, Thrikykunnu near Koothuparamba, Kannapuram etc... such a large number of shrines dedicated to or related to Rama in close vicinity is rare compared to other places in Kerala. The 1885 administration manual vol. 2 of the former Madras Presidency cites research in regional legends and folklore to indicate that the ancient name of Thalassery was Swetharanya pura.[6] The Upanishad Acharya Swethakethu is believed to have taken penance there and it is said that Shiva danced ananda thandava here. This is the stala purana of Tiruvangad Shree Ramaswamy Temple. Thalassery was also known as Tellicherry, the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Thalassery, during the European era and in the official documents until the end of 1990s, but the name Thalassery is now used officially.

It is suggested in the alternative that Thalassery is related to Thalassa (Greek: Θάλασσα), the Greek word for "sea", given the city's coastline, proximity to sea and history of traders visiting from as far afield as the Mediterranean. Also Thalassery is known for three C's : Cake, Cricket and Circus

Thalassery was a major town where the French military base in Kerala was located. Although the French abandoned Thalassery, moving their base to Mahé (5 km south of Thalassery) (named after the French administrator Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais) because spices could be easily transported to sea using canoes through Mahé river, the nickname remained.[citation needed]

Vasco da Gama a painting- The trade alliance between Vasco da Gama and Kolathiri gave Portugal direct access to the spice trade market especially for pepper.

Thalassery Jagannath Temple, Kerala

The British established a trading post and built a factory at Tellicherry in 1694, having gained permission from Vadakkalankur, the prince regent of the Raja of Kolatunad. They had already been trading on the Malabar coast for much of that century, buying pepper from merchants, and had established a similar post at Travancore ten years earlier.[8]

Tellicherry Pepper- A Black pepper variety. This is a produce of Terre Exotique, France[9]

After the annexation of Malabar, the British called upon Thalassery, the Royal families and other major Nair and Namboothiri feudal lords to return, but this was heavily opposed by some local rulers. Along with heavy taxation and laws that curbed free movement, the appeal resulted in multiple uprisings against the British with heavy casualties to British forces. Thousands of soldiers were killed, but the resistance was eventually defeated.

The British, Dutch and the Portuguese and Christian Missionaries contributed a lot into the field of education, sports, culture and many development of this region.

Thalassery is in Kannur district.[10] The town has Dharmadam Panchayat in the north, Eranjoli and Kodiyeri in the east New Mahé in the south and the Arabian Sea on the west. The palm-fringed terrain has a scenic coastline and features four rivers, canals and hills with orange-hued rock. One of the four rivers is the Mahé River (Mayyazhi river). During the British Raj, the Mahé River was nicknamed the English Channel, because it separated British-ruled Thalassery from French-ruled Mahé. Muzhappilangad Beach,[11] the sole beach where driving is possible in Kerala (with a 4 km long drivable area),[12] is located within 6 km from the town centre.

Unlike southern Kerala, Thalassery region does not have lagoons (Kayal), although many rivers flow through the region. Thalassery however has a large area of mangroves, which is now being protected. The coast has no delta formation. The coastal plain is only a few kilometres in width and is bordered by highlands. The north of Thalassery is Dharmadam, an island area surrounded by two rivers and the sea. On the eastern side, hilly areas start from Kuthuparamba.[13][14]

As of 2011[update] India census,[15] Thalassery had a population of 92,558, making it Kerala's 8th largest city in population. Males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Thalassery has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. Both male and female literacy are 86%. In Thalassery, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age. The Thalassery urban agglomeration consists of the Thalassery municipality and panchayaths of Eranholi, Kadirur, Dharmadam, Muzhappilangad, Pinarayi and New Mahe with a present population of around 300,000.

Hindus make up 61.37% of the population, Muslims 34.30% and Christians 3.64%.

The British had considerable impact on local culture. As an ancient trade center, the trading and business relations that existed with the Europeans and the Arabs brought people and ideas from many other lands. The Christian missionaries and the educational reforms they brought played an important role in transforming society.

"Mukathezhuthu"-The face painting of Theyyam, the religious ritual art form in Thalassery

The Government of Kerala has included Thalassery in its heritage city project. The project includes the preservation of historical structures.[16][17]
Thalassery is called as the city of three Cs-Cake, Cricket and Circus as the first bakery in Kerala was established in the town, cricket was first played in India here.[18][19]Thalassery biryani is popular as an ethnic brand.
Thalassery Cuisine is popular around the world as a blend of Arabian, Persian, Indian and European styles of cooking.

The first two Malayalam newspapers Rajyasamacharam (1847) and Paschimodayam (1847) were published from Thalassery by Herman Gundert, who was the editor of the journal and was a religious propagator from German Basal Evangelical Mission society(BEMS).[20] Rajyasamacharam started publishing from Illikkunnu, in Thalassery.

Vishnu Pant Chhatre's Great Indian Circus, established in 1880 at Bombay was the first circus establishment in India. A tour of Thalassery led to the meeting of Chhatre with Keeleri Kunhikannan a martial arts trainer.[21] Keeleri Kunhikannan established the first dedicated circus school in India in 1901. He is known as "the father of Kerala Circus". A Circus Academy was inaugurated in Thalassery in 2010.[22] Some of the most known circus companies were started by people of Thalassery i.e, Gemini Circus, Great Bombay Circus, Rajkamal circus, Jumbo circus, and so on...

Thalassery falooda is a regional variant of the Persian dessert. This is a cocktail of fruit salad, dry fruits such as blackcurrant, pista, cashew, almond(badam), rose milk and vanilla ice cream.

Thalassery has a special place in modern history of Kerala as the pioneer of the regional bakery industry, since the first bakery and biscuit factory was started by Mambally Bapu in 1880 and the western-style cakes were introduced in 1883.[26][27]

The trade of spices from the Malabar coast which began as 1500 BC is still an active business although most of the pepper export is currently from Vietnam. Tellicherry pepper[29] is still considered an important ingredient by chefs globally.

Theyyam is a ritual performance art form[30] that depict the cultural heritage of North Malabar, especially of ancient Kolathunad. Theyyam depicts Shiva bhutaganas, Kali and other deities and cultural heroes. The drama is enacted based on ancient stories and the language used is "Tottam pattu", a primitive form of Malayalam. Theyyam shows the Buddhist influence from centuries ago. Theyyam is usually held from October to May every year. The colour of Theyyam is typically red. Velan is described in the Sangam literature 500 CE. It could have been a tribal ritual art which evolved under Buddhism and the Brahminic revival of Hinduism. This art form is addressed as "Kaliyattom" North of Pazhayangadi Puzha, Kannur, as "Theyyam" South of the river and as "Tirayattom" around Thalassery.[31]

Kalari payattu is a martial art practiced in Kerala Dharmapattanam (the current Dharmadam), Kadirur, Kadathanad (the current Vatakara) and Kuthuparamba. The British East India Company established their authority by destroying the traditional military character of the community of Malabar. The famous Kadirur Gurukkal from Vadakkan Pattukal hailed from Kadirur, which is about 10 km from Thalassery town centre.

The Mysorean invaders destroyed traditional institutions, landholding patterns and supremacy of local rulers, along with the power and prestige of the Malabar militia, leading to the decline of kalari.[32] On 20 February 1804, Robert Richards, the Principal Collector of Malabar, wrote to Lord William Bentinck, President and General-in Council, Fort St. George, asking permission to take action against persons carrying arms, either imposing the death penalty or deportation for life. Lord Bentinck issued an order on 22 April 1804 that those who concealed weapons or disobeyed the orders of the British against carrying arms would be deported. At the time of the Pazhassi rebellion, British soldiers raided rebel homes to confiscate their arms.[33][34]

Kadal palam

Thalassery is one of the major centres of Vadakkan kalari. Kalari payattu had a revival after a resurgence of public interest from Thalassery in 1920. A public protest was led by C V Narayanan Nair.[35]

Sree Jagannath Temple:
Jagannath Temple was consecrated by Sree Narayana Guru in 1908 to abolish the social evil of caste system. The rituals at the temple are conducted by non-Brahmins. The temple is located about one kilometer south east from Thalassery city. The temple is reminiscent of Jagannath Temple, Puri. A statue of Sree Narayan Guru built in Italy was also installed in the temple complex in 1927 to recognize his efforts for the backward classes.

Odathil Palli or Odathil Mosque:Odathil Palli, a muslim mosque established over 200 years ago invites many tourists from around the world. The crown on the roof is made of gold. The mosque is maintained by keyi family.

Thalaserry Juma Masjid:
This 1000-year-old mosque[36] was nucleus to the Islamic Renaissance that took place in the region. Though the original structure doesn't exist, it has been renovated newly in Indo-saracenic style. The mosque was constructed by Malik Dinar, an Arab trader who arrived in Kerala to spread Islam. The tomb of Kunjayan Musallyar, a major contributor to the Arabic-Malayalam literature, is also located here.

Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswami Temple:

The Thiruvangad Shree Ramaswamy Temple pond

Sree Ramaswami Temple is dedicated to Sree Rama, in Thiruvangad. It is one of the four important temples dedicated to Sree Rama in Kerala. (The other three are at Triprayar, Thiruvilluamala and Kadalur.)

St. Theresa's Cathedral, Mahe (Built in AD 1723):

The Shrine of St. Theresa of Avila at Mahe is one of the oldest Shrines in India and probably the oldest in Malabar.

The St. John's Anglican Church, near Thalassery Fort, was built by Mr Edward Brennan in 1869. He was the Master Attendant at Thalassery during the British rule. Though he provided the funds for the construction of the church, it was completed only after his death. His tomb is seen among those at the church cemetery.

Thalassery Stadium, located close to the sea, hosts Ranji Trophycricket matches quite often. Lord Arthur Wellesley is believed to have introduced this game in Kerala in the 18th century for British soldiers garrisoned in the Tellichery Fort.[37] India's first cricket club, which was later named the Town Cricket Club, was formed in 1850 at Tellichery by Wellesley.[37][38][39] The Tellichery Cricket ground was the hub of cricket activities those days. An exhibition match was conducted in this ground to raise funds during the First World War.[37] English cricketer Colin Cowdrey's father was a tea planter in Thalassery, where he used to play cricket in the 1890s. Cowdrey played in Thalassery during the British regime.

Thalassery Cricket Ground celebrated its 200th birthday in 2002 by hosting a match between the former cricketers of India and Sri Lanka. In 2008 a new stadium only for cricket was inaugurated in Conor Vayal near Venus Junction in Thalassery, as a project of the Kerala Cricket Association.

The educational renaissance of Malabar started from Thalassery due to the influence of European missionaries. Government Brennen College, Thalassery, founded in 1862, is one of the oldest educational institutions in India.

The economy is mainly dependent on the expatriates working in the Persian Gulf.Trade and commerce in Thalassery is mainly in wholesale traders, small scale industries and agriculture. The seaport no longer operates. Few industries operate in Thalassery majority of them in the two industrial estates one in Palayad the other near Chirakkara in Thalassery. International trade from Thalassery is now only a fraction of the colonial-era trade. Thalassery fishing harbor is a key sea food trade hub in the region.
Major medical facilities include Malabar Cancer Centre, Moozhikkara, Government General Hospital, Tellicherry Cooperative Hospital Indira Gandhi Cooperative Hospital, Josgiri Hospital, Mission Hospital, Santhosh Hospital, Tely Hospital, Kay Paral Hospital, Shemi Hospital, Keerthi Hospital.

Thalassery Railway Station operates under the Palakkad Railway Division of the Southern Railway. It is a Class 'A' railway station. It is on the Shoranur - Mangalore line. No direct line connects Thalasery to Mysore, although a feasibility study for such a route was funded in 2013.[42][43]

Thalassery railway station

The town has four bus stations. New Bus Stand (1982) is the primary terminus. Inter-state buses to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Mysore operate from there. KSRTC bus depot is located at Konor Vayal. Passengers to Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Madurai depart from that station. KSRTC and private buses are available to Kodagu and Wayanad. Moffusil bus station is located near the New Bus stand. Town buses also originate from the Old bus stand on General Hospital Road.

Kanyakumari-Mumbai NH-66 passes through Thalassery. Kozhikode is 66 km from Thalassery. Mangalore is 150 km from Thalassery. Thalassery Coorg Road is a major road linking Kerala to Kudaku(Karnataka State). Interstate buses ply on this route in a frequency of one in an hour.[46]. The hill stations Virajpet in Kodagu and Mananthavady in Wayanad are 82 km away from the town.

The Thalassery carnival, the Beach fest in Muzhappilangad beach and Dharmadam beach are notable attractions.[47] The area's four rivers (Anjarakkandi, Dharmadam, Koduvally and Mahe) around Thalassery town and four beaches (Muzhappilangad, Dharmadam, Thalassery (2 beaches)) with more in Kannur also attract visitors.
Muzhappilangad beach is a 5.5 km long beach in which it is possible to drive vehicles. This beach was listed as one of the top 10 drive in beaches in the world by BBC survey.http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20160617-the-worlds-best-beaches-for-driving

It is an important center of Kalari payattu and health tourism.[48] Other visitors come to experience Theyyam and explore the area's history, such as Tellicherry Fort.

This area is an epicenter of political violence between RSS and Communists. Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have been fighting in this area for supremacy for the last 50 years. Clashes in 2008 left seven people killed and many have been injured. The High Court of Kerala called this manslaughter a "compelling sport" and suggested permanent deployment of Central forces in the affected areas.[53]